A graphic showing a non-exhaustive list of examples of degradative processes for polymers. interpret for the everyday consumer. That will have an impact on the effectiveness of any initiatives to improve behaviours. IUPAC describes degradability as the “capability of undergoing degradation” via physical and/or chemical deleterious changes of some properties, and a nonexhaustive list of examples of degradative processes is highlighted in Figure 2. It is important to note that while biodegradable polymers are degradable – they can be broken down either biologically or chemically – not all degradable polymers are biodegradable (products that can be broken down by bacteria or other organisms), and polymers made from biomass-based feedstocks (i.e. non-fossil fuel-based feedstocks) are not necessarily degradable, reinforcing the importance of rigorous LCAs when understanding the environmental impacts of products. Waste management is a societal grand challenge. The language used to describe materials has an important impact on the effectiveness of any initiatives to facilitate us to reduce the amount of waste we create, to reuse products, or to recycle or compost products. It is therefore important that steps are taken to simplify this language for people, potentially via policy changes that have already proven effective in energy and other sectors. Perhaps the plastic product production process needs oversight from an impartial externallyaccredited LCA awarding body, ensuring level standards across the board. Doing this will enhance communication and knowledge between consumers, local authorities, waste management companies, recyclers, and all other stakeholders in the post-consumption chain. This will generate better understanding of plastic products and how to effectively reduce, recycle, and/or compost them. FIFTY FOUR DEGREES | 13 Polymers Products 2 Examples of polymer degradation processes Polymer degradation yields various smaller molecules Enzymatic degradation Biodegradation (caused by cells, organisms and/or microorganisms) Oxidative degradation Hydrolytic degradation Photodegradation Thermal degradation SUBSTRATE Substrate entering active site of enzyme Eenzyme/substrate complex Eenzyme/products complex Products leaving active site of enzyme PRODUCTS ACTIVE SITE ENZYMECHANGES SHAPESLIGHTLYAS SUBSTRATEBINDS Dr John G Hardy is a Senior Lecturer in Materials Chemistry in the Lancaster University Faculty of Science and Technology. j.g.hardy@lancaster.ac.uk Dr Matteo Saltalippi is a Research Associate in the Department of Organisation, Work and Technology. m.saltalippi@lancaster.ac.uk
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NTI5NzM=